Oscars organizers were developing a red carpet back-up plan based on current events in Iran, according to sources. AFP via Getty Images We heard rumors this week that Oscars organizers were developing a red carpet back-up plan based on current events in Iran.
A tipster told Page Six that producers for the show were “coming up with a contingency plan including the possibility of scrapping the red carpet,” so as not to be seen as frivolously celebrating amidst “Operation Epic Fury” in the Middle East. (The tipster even mentioned that the carpet was previously set to feature Japanese maple trees, symbolizing “peace and longevity,” and wondered if the decor would still fit the moment.)
Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just An Accident” won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. AP But numerous insiders tell Page Six Hollywood that there have been no changes so far to the red carpet plans, although the Academy Awards is not tone-deaf to the moment. One awards insider told us: “They are 100-percent looking at every contingency, and all the optics, for every sort of scenario… I am sure they’re thinking about what’s appropriate… they’re very sensitive to all that.”
The source pointed out there are three Iranian Oscar nominees this year, including “It Was Just an Accident” director Jafar Panahi, as well as Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni, the directors of the doc, “Cutting Through Rocks.”
Several insiders said that no matter what the plans, the red carpet could be a minefield this year as talent, their reps — and even the studios — are increasingly wary of stars being asked about current events on the carpet and at film fests, like last month in Berlin.
We reported that at SAG’s Actor Awards, local news mainstays like KTLA, Fox11 and ABC — plus about a dozen others — were placed near the exit (unceremoniously next to a trash bin!), missing most nominees. The predominant rumor among the bullpen was that news-focused outlets were shoved to the end due to organizers’ fears that celebs would be asked about the conflict in Iran.
Meanwhile it remains to be seen if Oscars-goers will wear the same “ICE OUT” and “BE GOOD” pins that gained traction at the Golden Globes.
Sources said that every publicist with a nominee received (“like 55”) emails ahead of the SAG awards last Sunday to wear the “ICE OUT” pins. The letters were coming from powerhouse firm ID PR, which now reps the “Be Good-ICE Out Campaign.”
“Sinners” actress Wunmi Mosaku and “Hacks” comedian Meg Stalter were among a handful of stars wearing the pins, we hear. (Celebs at the Globes displaying them reportedly included Mark Ruffalo, Wanda Sykes, Natasha Lyonne, Jean Smart and Ariana Grande.)
